Sara Wyant
Agri-Pulse
Founder / Publisher
Sara Wyant is an award-winning agricultural journalist, entrepreneur and founder of Agri-Pulse Communications Inc., a unique digital media firm she launched in 2004 to focus on farm, food and rural policy issues.
An investigative reporter who has written many groundbreaking stories, Wyant has covered almost every farm and food policy debate since the 1980s. She is well recognized on Capitol Hill, as well as by farm, ranch and commodity associations across the country, as a veteran journalist and sought-after speaker.
Throughout her career, Wyant has been a trailblazer through several “glass” ceilings. In 1995, she was the first female to be named to the senior management team in agricultural publishing as vice president for editorial at Farm Progress. She served as the first female chairwoman on the Farm Foundation's board of trustees and as president of the American Agricultural Editors Association, where she also earned an Oscar in Agriculture award for excellence in agricultural reporting.
Wyant was named to Folio’s "Top Women in Media" in the Entrepreneurs category in 2015. For her leadership within the industry, she has received numerous awards and accolades from a wide variety of organizations including: American Agri-Women, Agriculture Future of America, FFA, Missouri Farm Bureau, National Association of Farm Broadcasters, North American Agricultural Journalists, United Soybean Board and others.
A graduate of Iowa State University, Wyant gained first-hand knowledge of crop and livestock production while growing up on a century farm near Marengo, Iowa, which she now owns and manages. She and husband Allan Johnson also own the farm where her husband's family originally established a homestead near Almont, North Dakota. They are the parents of two sons and three grandchildren.
Agri-Pulse
Founder / Publisher
Sara Wyant is an award-winning agricultural journalist, entrepreneur and founder of Agri-Pulse Communications Inc., a unique digital media firm she launched in 2004 to focus on farm, food and rural policy issues.
An investigative reporter who has written many groundbreaking stories, Wyant has covered almost every farm and food policy debate since the 1980s. She is well recognized on Capitol Hill, as well as by farm, ranch and commodity associations across the country, as a veteran journalist and sought-after speaker.
Throughout her career, Wyant has been a trailblazer through several “glass” ceilings. In 1995, she was the first female to be named to the senior management team in agricultural publishing as vice president for editorial at Farm Progress. She served as the first female chairwoman on the Farm Foundation's board of trustees and as president of the American Agricultural Editors Association, where she also earned an Oscar in Agriculture award for excellence in agricultural reporting.
Wyant was named to Folio’s "Top Women in Media" in the Entrepreneurs category in 2015. For her leadership within the industry, she has received numerous awards and accolades from a wide variety of organizations including: American Agri-Women, Agriculture Future of America, FFA, Missouri Farm Bureau, National Association of Farm Broadcasters, North American Agricultural Journalists, United Soybean Board and others.
A graduate of Iowa State University, Wyant gained first-hand knowledge of crop and livestock production while growing up on a century farm near Marengo, Iowa, which she now owns and manages. She and husband Allan Johnson also own the farm where her husband's family originally established a homestead near Almont, North Dakota. They are the parents of two sons and three grandchildren.
Rudi Roeslein
Roeslein & Associates, Inc. - Renewables
CEO
Rudi Roeslein is an entrepreneur, engineer, conservationist, and renewable energy pioneer whose career spans more than five decades of industrial innovation and environmental leadership.
Roeslein grew up in south St. Louis after immigrating to the United States from Austria with his parents in 1956. He attended Saint Louis University, where he earned a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1971, often joking that he majored in soccer and minored in engineering. A standout collegiate athlete, Roeslein was a member of Saint Louis University’s 1967 NCAA Division I championship soccer team, which was inducted into the St. Louis Soccer Hall of Fame in 2021. He continues to credit the camaraderie, discipline, and cooperation he learned through soccer as foundational to his business success.
Roeslein began his professional career in the engineering department at Container Corporation of America, a composite can manufacturing company, where he gained early exposure to modular design and project execution as a project manager overseeing proprietary machinery installations and startups. He later expanded these concepts at GISMO, rising to Executive Vice President, before briefly serving as Director of International Business.
In January 1990, Roeslein founded Roeslein & Associates, guided by the conviction that American manufacturing could compete globally with the right tools, vision, and workforce. Under his leadership, the company revolutionized large-scale industrial construction through modularization and preassembly. Roeslein & Associates designed, built, and shipped entire beverage can manufacturing systems worldwide, completing projects ranging from $60 million to $125 million. By fabricating up to 70 percent of construction activities in its Red Bud, Illinois facility, the company reduced project timelines from 24 months to less than 12 months while achieving operational efficiencies exceeding 90 percent within the first year.
Today, Roeslein & Associates is a global engineering, modular fabrication, and construction firm employing more than 1,200 people across the United States, Europe, Brazil, and Asia, with completed projects in over 60 countries across six continents.
In 2010, Roeslein & Associates entered the energy sector, completing major ethanol
projects for Abengoa. During this period, Roeslein became deeply engaged with anaerobic digestion technologies and distributive control and power systems, recognizing their potential for renewable energy production. This exploration coincided with his growing interest in alternatives to drop-in liquid fuels and energy solutions that could deliver ecological benefits alongside economic returns.
In 2012, led by his true passion for sustainable energy, wildlife, and prairie restoration, Roeslein founded Roeslein Alternative Energy (RAE), now Roeslein Renewables.
Roeslein Renewables is an operator and developer of renewable energy production facilities that convert agricultural and industrial waste, along with renewable biomass
feedstocks, into renewable natural gas (RNG) and sustainable co-products. Roeslein Renewables has since become a national leader in RNG production and anaerobic
digestion project and technology development, advancing practical solutions to climate change, waste reduction, and pollution.
Roeslein’s commitment to conservation extends beyond business. He actively practices the land stewardship he advocates on his own Missouri farms, including an 1,850-acre farm in Putnam County and a 1,350-acre farm in Osage County. Across these properties he is focused on restoring native prairie ecosystems and reconstructing riparian areas to improve water quality, soil health, and wildlife habitat.
In 2023, a partnership of 13 public and private entities led by Roeslein Renewables secured an $80 million grant through the USDA’s Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities program. Under Roeslein’s leadership, more than 5,000 acres of prairie were established within the first 18 months of the project. Efforts are underway to continue this work through USDA’s Advancing Markets for Producers (AMP) grant program to restore 40,000 acres of prairie.
Roeslein’s career has been recognized with numerous honors, including Prairie Landowner of the Year from the Missouri Prairie Foundation; Air Conservationist of the Year and Corporate Conservationist of the Year from the Conservation Federation of Missouri; the Energy Vision Leadership Award and “Friend of the ABC” recognition from the American Biogas Council; the Alumni Merit Award from Saint Louis University; the National Lewis and Clark Conservation Award; and the Missouri Heritage Foundation Award. His companies have been named a Best Place to Work by the St. Louis Business Journal, ranked among the Top 150 Privately Held Businesses in Greater St. Louis, and featured nationally for innovative business models.
Through engineering excellence, entrepreneurial leadership, and an unwavering commitment to conservation, Rudi Roeslein has demonstrated that industry, renewable
energy, and ecological restoration can advance together while delivering lasting economic and environmental impact.
Roeslein & Associates, Inc. - Renewables
CEO
Rudi Roeslein is an entrepreneur, engineer, conservationist, and renewable energy pioneer whose career spans more than five decades of industrial innovation and environmental leadership.
Roeslein grew up in south St. Louis after immigrating to the United States from Austria with his parents in 1956. He attended Saint Louis University, where he earned a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1971, often joking that he majored in soccer and minored in engineering. A standout collegiate athlete, Roeslein was a member of Saint Louis University’s 1967 NCAA Division I championship soccer team, which was inducted into the St. Louis Soccer Hall of Fame in 2021. He continues to credit the camaraderie, discipline, and cooperation he learned through soccer as foundational to his business success.
Roeslein began his professional career in the engineering department at Container Corporation of America, a composite can manufacturing company, where he gained early exposure to modular design and project execution as a project manager overseeing proprietary machinery installations and startups. He later expanded these concepts at GISMO, rising to Executive Vice President, before briefly serving as Director of International Business.
In January 1990, Roeslein founded Roeslein & Associates, guided by the conviction that American manufacturing could compete globally with the right tools, vision, and workforce. Under his leadership, the company revolutionized large-scale industrial construction through modularization and preassembly. Roeslein & Associates designed, built, and shipped entire beverage can manufacturing systems worldwide, completing projects ranging from $60 million to $125 million. By fabricating up to 70 percent of construction activities in its Red Bud, Illinois facility, the company reduced project timelines from 24 months to less than 12 months while achieving operational efficiencies exceeding 90 percent within the first year.
Today, Roeslein & Associates is a global engineering, modular fabrication, and construction firm employing more than 1,200 people across the United States, Europe, Brazil, and Asia, with completed projects in over 60 countries across six continents.
In 2010, Roeslein & Associates entered the energy sector, completing major ethanol
projects for Abengoa. During this period, Roeslein became deeply engaged with anaerobic digestion technologies and distributive control and power systems, recognizing their potential for renewable energy production. This exploration coincided with his growing interest in alternatives to drop-in liquid fuels and energy solutions that could deliver ecological benefits alongside economic returns.
In 2012, led by his true passion for sustainable energy, wildlife, and prairie restoration, Roeslein founded Roeslein Alternative Energy (RAE), now Roeslein Renewables.
Roeslein Renewables is an operator and developer of renewable energy production facilities that convert agricultural and industrial waste, along with renewable biomass
feedstocks, into renewable natural gas (RNG) and sustainable co-products. Roeslein Renewables has since become a national leader in RNG production and anaerobic
digestion project and technology development, advancing practical solutions to climate change, waste reduction, and pollution.
Roeslein’s commitment to conservation extends beyond business. He actively practices the land stewardship he advocates on his own Missouri farms, including an 1,850-acre farm in Putnam County and a 1,350-acre farm in Osage County. Across these properties he is focused on restoring native prairie ecosystems and reconstructing riparian areas to improve water quality, soil health, and wildlife habitat.
In 2023, a partnership of 13 public and private entities led by Roeslein Renewables secured an $80 million grant through the USDA’s Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities program. Under Roeslein’s leadership, more than 5,000 acres of prairie were established within the first 18 months of the project. Efforts are underway to continue this work through USDA’s Advancing Markets for Producers (AMP) grant program to restore 40,000 acres of prairie.
Roeslein’s career has been recognized with numerous honors, including Prairie Landowner of the Year from the Missouri Prairie Foundation; Air Conservationist of the Year and Corporate Conservationist of the Year from the Conservation Federation of Missouri; the Energy Vision Leadership Award and “Friend of the ABC” recognition from the American Biogas Council; the Alumni Merit Award from Saint Louis University; the National Lewis and Clark Conservation Award; and the Missouri Heritage Foundation Award. His companies have been named a Best Place to Work by the St. Louis Business Journal, ranked among the Top 150 Privately Held Businesses in Greater St. Louis, and featured nationally for innovative business models.
Through engineering excellence, entrepreneurial leadership, and an unwavering commitment to conservation, Rudi Roeslein has demonstrated that industry, renewable
energy, and ecological restoration can advance together while delivering lasting economic and environmental impact.
Dr. John Newton
American Farm Bureau Federation
Vice President of Public Policy and Economic Analysis
Dr. Newton is the Vice President of Public Policy and Economic Analysis and Chief Economist at the American Farm Bureau Federation, having previously served as Executive Head of Terrain and Republican Chief Economist for the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry. He holds multiple degrees from The Ohio State University and has experience at the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
American Farm Bureau Federation
Vice President of Public Policy and Economic Analysis
Dr. Newton is the Vice President of Public Policy and Economic Analysis and Chief Economist at the American Farm Bureau Federation, having previously served as Executive Head of Terrain and Republican Chief Economist for the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry. He holds multiple degrees from The Ohio State University and has experience at the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Ben Kruger
Roeslein Renewables
COO - Renewables
Ben is COO of Roeslein Renewables where he leads their Renewable Natural Gas and Environmental Markets platforms. Prior to joining Roeslein, Ben spend 25 years with Cargill in a variety of trading and business leadership roles across their fats & oils, biodiesel, cocoa and RNG verticals. Ben's passion for agriculture and conservation are rooted in his families multi generational dairy farm in Wisconsin.
Ben and family reside in Victoria, MN where they are active serving in the special needs community and also enjoy all forms of skiing in the winter.
Roeslein Renewables
COO - Renewables
Ben is COO of Roeslein Renewables where he leads their Renewable Natural Gas and Environmental Markets platforms. Prior to joining Roeslein, Ben spend 25 years with Cargill in a variety of trading and business leadership roles across their fats & oils, biodiesel, cocoa and RNG verticals. Ben's passion for agriculture and conservation are rooted in his families multi generational dairy farm in Wisconsin.
Ben and family reside in Victoria, MN where they are active serving in the special needs community and also enjoy all forms of skiing in the winter.
Louis Sola
Thorn Run Partners
Partner
Louis Sola brings nearly two decades of public and private sector leadership in transportation, trade, infrastructure, and maritime policy. He is a former Chairman and Commissioner of the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission and was nominated by two different U.S. Presidents. Sola was in the room for key decisions on U.S. tariff policy and played a central role in international trade and port modernization strategy.
In addition to his federal service, Sola previously served as a Florida State Commissioner, where he led initiatives on transportation, economic development, and infrastructure investment across the state. His work at both the state and federal level gives him a unique understanding of the regulatory landscape and the intersection of local and global commerce.
Sola is also a seasoned maritime entrepreneur. He is the founder of Evermarine, a leading yacht brokerage firm specializing in luxury vessels across the Americas. With decades of experience as a licensed yacht broker, he has represented major international brands and negotiated complex, high-value transactions throughout Europe, the Caribbean, and Latin America.
At the FMC, he led major initiatives to stabilize supply chains, reduce port congestion, and strengthen U.S. competitiveness in global shipping markets. He earned bipartisan recognition for his crisis leadership during COVID-19 and oversaw critical reforms affecting ocean carriers, ports, and intermodal logistics providers.
A decorated and disabled U.S. Army veteran, Sola is fluent in Spanish and has deep expertise in Latin American markets, LNG infrastructure, and cargo and cruise industry development. His global network and cross-sector experience make him a trusted advisor to clients navigating complex regulatory and political environments.
Sola holds a degree in Accounting and International Finance from the University of Illinois, providing a strong foundation in both fiscal policy and global market dynamics.
At Thorn Run, Sola advises clients across transportation, logistics, infrastructure, and international trade — delivering strategic outcomes at the highest levels of government and industry.
When he’s not in Washington, DC, Lou lives in Miami, FL with his wife Karen.
Thorn Run Partners
Partner
Louis Sola brings nearly two decades of public and private sector leadership in transportation, trade, infrastructure, and maritime policy. He is a former Chairman and Commissioner of the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission and was nominated by two different U.S. Presidents. Sola was in the room for key decisions on U.S. tariff policy and played a central role in international trade and port modernization strategy.
In addition to his federal service, Sola previously served as a Florida State Commissioner, where he led initiatives on transportation, economic development, and infrastructure investment across the state. His work at both the state and federal level gives him a unique understanding of the regulatory landscape and the intersection of local and global commerce.
Sola is also a seasoned maritime entrepreneur. He is the founder of Evermarine, a leading yacht brokerage firm specializing in luxury vessels across the Americas. With decades of experience as a licensed yacht broker, he has represented major international brands and negotiated complex, high-value transactions throughout Europe, the Caribbean, and Latin America.
At the FMC, he led major initiatives to stabilize supply chains, reduce port congestion, and strengthen U.S. competitiveness in global shipping markets. He earned bipartisan recognition for his crisis leadership during COVID-19 and oversaw critical reforms affecting ocean carriers, ports, and intermodal logistics providers.
A decorated and disabled U.S. Army veteran, Sola is fluent in Spanish and has deep expertise in Latin American markets, LNG infrastructure, and cargo and cruise industry development. His global network and cross-sector experience make him a trusted advisor to clients navigating complex regulatory and political environments.
Sola holds a degree in Accounting and International Finance from the University of Illinois, providing a strong foundation in both fiscal policy and global market dynamics.
At Thorn Run, Sola advises clients across transportation, logistics, infrastructure, and international trade — delivering strategic outcomes at the highest levels of government and industry.
When he’s not in Washington, DC, Lou lives in Miami, FL with his wife Karen.
Tom Michels
United Airlines
Director of Government Affairs
Since 2018, Tom Michels has been a leader on United’s Government Affairs team, where he focuses on both Federal and State policy and leads all advocacy related to energy and sustainability issues. Previously, Tom led the ONE Future Coalition, a group of natural gas companies focused on reducing their methane emissions. Prior roles included serving as a Senior Advisor in Shell’s Washington office, as Legislative Director to a U.S. Senator, and work with two trade associations. Tom earned an MA in International Relations from the University of Chicago and a BA in Philosophy from LaSalle University in Philadelphia.
United Airlines
Director of Government Affairs
Since 2018, Tom Michels has been a leader on United’s Government Affairs team, where he focuses on both Federal and State policy and leads all advocacy related to energy and sustainability issues. Previously, Tom led the ONE Future Coalition, a group of natural gas companies focused on reducing their methane emissions. Prior roles included serving as a Senior Advisor in Shell’s Washington office, as Legislative Director to a U.S. Senator, and work with two trade associations. Tom earned an MA in International Relations from the University of Chicago and a BA in Philosophy from LaSalle University in Philadelphia.
Devin Mogler
National Oilseed Processors Association
President & CEO
Devin Mogler is the President and CEO of NOPA. He previously served as the Senior Vice President of Corporate and Investor Relations for Green Plains Inc., one of the largest ethanol producers globally. During his seven years at Green Plains, he led all policy development and advocacy efforts while
supporting communications, marketing, and sustainability initiatives.
Prior to Green Plains, Mogler served in the U.S. Senate as an advisor to Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) on agriculture, environmental, and biofuels policy. He played a key role developing Farm Bill priorities, advocating on the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), and pushing back on federal regulatory overreach. Prior to his time in the Senate, Mogler served in a variety of roles at Farmers Cooperative Company from 2008 to 2015, ultimately leading the entire Operations team as Senior Vice President of Operations.
He grew up on a third-generation family farm in Lyon County, IA, where his father, brother, nephews and extended family still raise soybeans, corn, feeder cattle and farrow to finish hogs.
National Oilseed Processors Association
President & CEO
Devin Mogler is the President and CEO of NOPA. He previously served as the Senior Vice President of Corporate and Investor Relations for Green Plains Inc., one of the largest ethanol producers globally. During his seven years at Green Plains, he led all policy development and advocacy efforts while
supporting communications, marketing, and sustainability initiatives.
Prior to Green Plains, Mogler served in the U.S. Senate as an advisor to Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) on agriculture, environmental, and biofuels policy. He played a key role developing Farm Bill priorities, advocating on the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), and pushing back on federal regulatory overreach. Prior to his time in the Senate, Mogler served in a variety of roles at Farmers Cooperative Company from 2008 to 2015, ultimately leading the entire Operations team as Senior Vice President of Operations.
He grew up on a third-generation family farm in Lyon County, IA, where his father, brother, nephews and extended family still raise soybeans, corn, feeder cattle and farrow to finish hogs.
Gregory Jaffe
Jaffe Policy Consulting LLC
President
Gregory Jaffe is President of Jaffe Policy Consulting, which provides strategic advice on national and international policies and regulations involving agriculture and food, with specific expertise in sustainability, climate, bioeconomy, biotechnology, biofuels, sustainable proteins, biomanufacturing, pesticides, food safety, and food loss and waste. He recently worked as the Senior Advisor for Regulatory Affairs in USDA’s Office of the Secretary. Greg was the Department’s Chief Regulatory Officer responsible for managing the Department’s regulatory agenda, interdepartmental review of all significant regulations, and engagement with EPA and FDA on their regulations and policies that impact USDA programs or stakeholders. He managed a broad portfolio of policy issues that included bioeconomy, biotechnology, biofuels, pesticides, PFAS, food safety, and scientific research and development. He represented USDA on interdepartmental policy committees, including the National Bioeconomy Board.
Before joining USDA, Greg worked for at the Center for Science in Public Interest, a non-profit consumer organization working on food and nutrition issues. He led CSPI’s policy work involving innovative food products and was a member of the senior management team establishing CSPI’s program priorities and designing advocacy strategies. He has a B.A. from Wesleyan University and a law degree from Harvard Law School.
Jaffe Policy Consulting LLC
President
Gregory Jaffe is President of Jaffe Policy Consulting, which provides strategic advice on national and international policies and regulations involving agriculture and food, with specific expertise in sustainability, climate, bioeconomy, biotechnology, biofuels, sustainable proteins, biomanufacturing, pesticides, food safety, and food loss and waste. He recently worked as the Senior Advisor for Regulatory Affairs in USDA’s Office of the Secretary. Greg was the Department’s Chief Regulatory Officer responsible for managing the Department’s regulatory agenda, interdepartmental review of all significant regulations, and engagement with EPA and FDA on their regulations and policies that impact USDA programs or stakeholders. He managed a broad portfolio of policy issues that included bioeconomy, biotechnology, biofuels, pesticides, PFAS, food safety, and scientific research and development. He represented USDA on interdepartmental policy committees, including the National Bioeconomy Board.
Before joining USDA, Greg worked for at the Center for Science in Public Interest, a non-profit consumer organization working on food and nutrition issues. He led CSPI’s policy work involving innovative food products and was a member of the senior management team establishing CSPI’s program priorities and designing advocacy strategies. He has a B.A. from Wesleyan University and a law degree from Harvard Law School.
Sean Arians
National Corn Growers Association
VP Sustainable Production & Value Chain Engagement
Sean Arians is the Vice President of Sustainable Production and Value Chain Engagement at the National Corn Growers Association. Sean brings to the role 20 years of experience working in the agriculture industry in a variety of production- and sustainability-focused roles.
He has deep agricultural roots and has earned the reputation of being a strategic thinker and innovative problem solver. Prior to joining NCGA, Arians worked for some of the biggest brands in agriculture, including roles at Advanced Agrilytics, Bayer, The Climate Corporation and Precision Planting. His past experience spans on-the-ground work with farmers to implement sustainable solutions for their farms to roles in strategy to drive big-picture solutions across companies. An Illinois native, Arians is the fourth generation of his family to manage and operate a row crop farm in northwest Illinois, where he frequently trials new practices and solutions, including the use of cover crops. He holds a degree in agriculture business management from Illinois State University.
National Corn Growers Association
VP Sustainable Production & Value Chain Engagement
Sean Arians is the Vice President of Sustainable Production and Value Chain Engagement at the National Corn Growers Association. Sean brings to the role 20 years of experience working in the agriculture industry in a variety of production- and sustainability-focused roles.
He has deep agricultural roots and has earned the reputation of being a strategic thinker and innovative problem solver. Prior to joining NCGA, Arians worked for some of the biggest brands in agriculture, including roles at Advanced Agrilytics, Bayer, The Climate Corporation and Precision Planting. His past experience spans on-the-ground work with farmers to implement sustainable solutions for their farms to roles in strategy to drive big-picture solutions across companies. An Illinois native, Arians is the fourth generation of his family to manage and operate a row crop farm in northwest Illinois, where he frequently trials new practices and solutions, including the use of cover crops. He holds a degree in agriculture business management from Illinois State University.
Amy France
National Sorghum Producers
Chair
Amy France, from Scott City, Kansas, serves as Chair of the National Sorghum Producers, making history as the first woman to hold a leadership officer role on NSP’s Board in the organization’s 70-year history. She has been a member of the NSP Board of Directors since 2018 and has served the agriculture industry at the county, state, and national levels for more than 15 years.
Before returning full-time to the family farm, Amy worked in rural banking. She and her husband, Clint, are third-generation farmers, working alongside their oldest son and daughter on their semi-arid western Kansas farm, where they grow grain sorghum, corn, and wheat, and raise Black Angus cattle.
National Sorghum Producers
Chair
Amy France, from Scott City, Kansas, serves as Chair of the National Sorghum Producers, making history as the first woman to hold a leadership officer role on NSP’s Board in the organization’s 70-year history. She has been a member of the NSP Board of Directors since 2018 and has served the agriculture industry at the county, state, and national levels for more than 15 years.
Before returning full-time to the family farm, Amy worked in rural banking. She and her husband, Clint, are third-generation farmers, working alongside their oldest son and daughter on their semi-arid western Kansas farm, where they grow grain sorghum, corn, and wheat, and raise Black Angus cattle.
Linsday Fitzgerald
Gevo
Chief Advocacy Officer
Lindsay Fitzgerald has served as Chief Public Affairs Officer at Gevo since May 2025. Prior to this role, she held the positions of Executive Vice President of Corporate Affairs beginning in July 2024 and Vice President of Government Relations from May 2021. Before joining the Company, from 2015 to 2021, Ms. Fitzgerald was Senior Manager, then Director of Government Affairs at Renewable Energy Group, a leading provider of biodiesel and renewable biodiesel, where she was responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive regulatory policy strategy at the state, local, federal, and international levels. She is a seasoned government affairs professional with a special aptitude for strategy, collaboration, and big-picture, actionable planning, and execution.
Gevo
Chief Advocacy Officer
Lindsay Fitzgerald has served as Chief Public Affairs Officer at Gevo since May 2025. Prior to this role, she held the positions of Executive Vice President of Corporate Affairs beginning in July 2024 and Vice President of Government Relations from May 2021. Before joining the Company, from 2015 to 2021, Ms. Fitzgerald was Senior Manager, then Director of Government Affairs at Renewable Energy Group, a leading provider of biodiesel and renewable biodiesel, where she was responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive regulatory policy strategy at the state, local, federal, and international levels. She is a seasoned government affairs professional with a special aptitude for strategy, collaboration, and big-picture, actionable planning, and execution.
Ariel Dalton
Danone U.S.
Head of Strategic Insights, Planning & Connected Commerce
Ariel Dalton was named Head of Strategic Insights, Planning & Connected Commerce for Danone U.S. in January 2026. In this role, Ariel is responsible for driving competitive advantage by delivering actionable insights, anticipating market shifts, shaping consumer‑centric strategies, accelerating connected commerce, and enabling omni‑channel excellence across the evolving shopper journey.
Ariel brings more than 17 years of experience in the consumer goods industry and has a strong track record of building high‑performing teams to drive growth and enterprise value. Previously, she served as Senior Vice President of Commercial for Danone in the U.S., leading a 160‑person organization and an extended broker network of more than 4,500. Her responsibilities spanned category leadership, channel development & strategy, commercial, customer planning, ecommerce, sales execution and shopper marketing. She also plays an active role on global and regional executive steering committees, including shaping the globally adopted Danone Way of Selling and representing Danone North America for Sales AI.
Prior to her career at Danone, Ariel spent time at a globally renowned direct marketing agency, Valassis Communications, now unified under Vericast.
Ariel graduated with honors from Azusa Pacific University and is an alumna of USC’s Food Industry Executive Program. She resides in Colorado.
Danone U.S.
Head of Strategic Insights, Planning & Connected Commerce
Ariel Dalton was named Head of Strategic Insights, Planning & Connected Commerce for Danone U.S. in January 2026. In this role, Ariel is responsible for driving competitive advantage by delivering actionable insights, anticipating market shifts, shaping consumer‑centric strategies, accelerating connected commerce, and enabling omni‑channel excellence across the evolving shopper journey.
Ariel brings more than 17 years of experience in the consumer goods industry and has a strong track record of building high‑performing teams to drive growth and enterprise value. Previously, she served as Senior Vice President of Commercial for Danone in the U.S., leading a 160‑person organization and an extended broker network of more than 4,500. Her responsibilities spanned category leadership, channel development & strategy, commercial, customer planning, ecommerce, sales execution and shopper marketing. She also plays an active role on global and regional executive steering committees, including shaping the globally adopted Danone Way of Selling and representing Danone North America for Sales AI.
Prior to her career at Danone, Ariel spent time at a globally renowned direct marketing agency, Valassis Communications, now unified under Vericast.
Ariel graduated with honors from Azusa Pacific University and is an alumna of USC’s Food Industry Executive Program. She resides in Colorado.
Jeff Simmons
Elanco
President & CEO
Jeff Simmons serves as President and CEO of Elanco Animal Health (NYSE: ELAN), an independent animal health leader with the ability to reach the world’s animals – specifically 19 species in nearly 100 countries. The Elanco team has established a unique innovation engine grounded in a higher purpose: Food and Companionship Enriching Life.
Elanco’s Pet Health business is innovating effective products and therapeutic solutions for veterinarians helping pets live longer, healthier, more active lives. Elanco’s Farm Animal business focuses on helping farmers and veterinarians raise healthy livestock to make food safer. Elanco is also a pioneer within livestock sustainability and is developing and delivering a portfolio of new products and solutions designed to ensure the world has access to safe, affordable, sustainable and high-quality protein.
With 30 years of industry and life sciences experience, Jeff has spent the past 15 years as head of Elanco. Through his purpose-driven leadership, in 2018, Jeff navigated the company’s separation from Eli Lilly and Company, culminating with Elanco’s listing on the New York Stock Exchange as an independent, public company. Then in 2020, Jeff guided the acquisition of Bayer Animal Health, deepening Elanco’s pet health business and bringing an equal balance between pets and livestock. Today, Elanco is an independent, fully integrated animal health market leader, committed to delivering value across our diverse portfolio of products and solutions.
As an advocate for animal health, Jeff is active with HealthforAnimals (H4A) and Animal Health Institute (AHI). His board roles reflect his passions for the human-animal bond with IU Health and food security with HATCH for Hunger™. Jeff has also held several leadership positions, including as a former board member and chairman of the compensation committee for Chiquita Brands. He has completed terms as president of the Health for Animals, chairman of the FFA Foundation Board and as a board member of Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana. He received his bachelor’s degree from Cornell University where he studied agricultural economics, business administration and management.
Join the dialogue on food security, the human-animal bond and leadership, follow Jeff on Twitter or Instagram @JeffSimmons2050 and connect with him on LinkedIn. "
Elanco
President & CEO
Jeff Simmons serves as President and CEO of Elanco Animal Health (NYSE: ELAN), an independent animal health leader with the ability to reach the world’s animals – specifically 19 species in nearly 100 countries. The Elanco team has established a unique innovation engine grounded in a higher purpose: Food and Companionship Enriching Life.
Elanco’s Pet Health business is innovating effective products and therapeutic solutions for veterinarians helping pets live longer, healthier, more active lives. Elanco’s Farm Animal business focuses on helping farmers and veterinarians raise healthy livestock to make food safer. Elanco is also a pioneer within livestock sustainability and is developing and delivering a portfolio of new products and solutions designed to ensure the world has access to safe, affordable, sustainable and high-quality protein.
With 30 years of industry and life sciences experience, Jeff has spent the past 15 years as head of Elanco. Through his purpose-driven leadership, in 2018, Jeff navigated the company’s separation from Eli Lilly and Company, culminating with Elanco’s listing on the New York Stock Exchange as an independent, public company. Then in 2020, Jeff guided the acquisition of Bayer Animal Health, deepening Elanco’s pet health business and bringing an equal balance between pets and livestock. Today, Elanco is an independent, fully integrated animal health market leader, committed to delivering value across our diverse portfolio of products and solutions.
As an advocate for animal health, Jeff is active with HealthforAnimals (H4A) and Animal Health Institute (AHI). His board roles reflect his passions for the human-animal bond with IU Health and food security with HATCH for Hunger™. Jeff has also held several leadership positions, including as a former board member and chairman of the compensation committee for Chiquita Brands. He has completed terms as president of the Health for Animals, chairman of the FFA Foundation Board and as a board member of Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana. He received his bachelor’s degree from Cornell University where he studied agricultural economics, business administration and management.
Join the dialogue on food security, the human-animal bond and leadership, follow Jeff on Twitter or Instagram @JeffSimmons2050 and connect with him on LinkedIn. "
Emily Metz
American Egg Board
President & CEO
Emily Metz is president & CEO of the American Egg Board, the national marketing organization for the U.S. egg industry. In this role, she directs strategy and oversees national programs spanning consumer marketing and PR; CPG manufacturing and foodservice engagement and R&D; health and nutrition research and communications; and exports to drive demand for U.S. eggs and egg products domestically and abroad. Metz is a professional communicator, marketer and strategist who has built her career around a passion for agriculture in roles supporting U.S. dairy, beef, pork and poultry farmers. An attorney specializing in food and drug law, she has held communications, marketing and advocacy positions at the USDA, the Animal Agriculture Alliance, National Milk Producers Federation and, most recently, at the world’s largest animal genetics company, Genus Plc. She is delighted and honored to serve America’s egg farmers and support the nation’s love affair with the incredible egg.
American Egg Board
President & CEO
Emily Metz is president & CEO of the American Egg Board, the national marketing organization for the U.S. egg industry. In this role, she directs strategy and oversees national programs spanning consumer marketing and PR; CPG manufacturing and foodservice engagement and R&D; health and nutrition research and communications; and exports to drive demand for U.S. eggs and egg products domestically and abroad. Metz is a professional communicator, marketer and strategist who has built her career around a passion for agriculture in roles supporting U.S. dairy, beef, pork and poultry farmers. An attorney specializing in food and drug law, she has held communications, marketing and advocacy positions at the USDA, the Animal Agriculture Alliance, National Milk Producers Federation and, most recently, at the world’s largest animal genetics company, Genus Plc. She is delighted and honored to serve America’s egg farmers and support the nation’s love affair with the incredible egg.
Misty High
Cargill
Senior Vice President & Managing Director, Value Added Protein, Food North America
Misty leads Value Added Protein for Cargill Food North America. Value Added Protein encompasses all the cooked meats and prepared protein products, including eggs and alternative protein products. Prior to this role, she served as President of the Foodservice Channel and Customer Service team for Cargill Protein North America.
Misty joined Cargill in 2005 as a brand manager for Cargill’s largest beef program. She went on to lead marketing for Cargill’s beef business where her team launched new beef programs with major retail and foodservice operators. Misty also led Cargill’s Beef Foodservice Sales, working with most major chains and distributors. She then spent time in operations as the general manager of Cargill’s McDonald’s hamburger plant before leading the sales team that represented Cargill’s global products sold to Walmart and Sam’s Club.
Prior to Cargill, Misty worked for Sullivan Higdon & Sink advertising for eight years.
Misty holds a B.A. degree in Communications from Wichita State University. She is the executive sponsor of Cargill’s Wichita hub Veteran’s Military Support Network, oversees Cargill’s local philanthropical giving, serves on the boards of Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters, Wichita State’s Barton School of Business and Meritrust Credit Union.
Misty and her husband, along with their 15-year-old daughter, currently live in Wichita, Kansas. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, as well as running, hiking and being outdoors.
Cargill
Senior Vice President & Managing Director, Value Added Protein, Food North America
Misty leads Value Added Protein for Cargill Food North America. Value Added Protein encompasses all the cooked meats and prepared protein products, including eggs and alternative protein products. Prior to this role, she served as President of the Foodservice Channel and Customer Service team for Cargill Protein North America.
Misty joined Cargill in 2005 as a brand manager for Cargill’s largest beef program. She went on to lead marketing for Cargill’s beef business where her team launched new beef programs with major retail and foodservice operators. Misty also led Cargill’s Beef Foodservice Sales, working with most major chains and distributors. She then spent time in operations as the general manager of Cargill’s McDonald’s hamburger plant before leading the sales team that represented Cargill’s global products sold to Walmart and Sam’s Club.
Prior to Cargill, Misty worked for Sullivan Higdon & Sink advertising for eight years.
Misty holds a B.A. degree in Communications from Wichita State University. She is the executive sponsor of Cargill’s Wichita hub Veteran’s Military Support Network, oversees Cargill’s local philanthropical giving, serves on the boards of Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters, Wichita State’s Barton School of Business and Meritrust Credit Union.
Misty and her husband, along with their 15-year-old daughter, currently live in Wichita, Kansas. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, as well as running, hiking and being outdoors.
Lee Zeldin
United States Environmental Protection Agency
EPA Administrator
U.S. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has dedicated his life to public service. He served twenty-two years in the U.S. Army which included service as an intelligence officer, prosecutor, and military magistrate. In the summer of 2006, Lee deployed to Iraq with an infantry battalion of fellow paratroopers from the Army’s elite 82nd Airborne Division.
He then spent four years in the New York State Senate and eight years in the U.S. House of Representatives. After nearly pulling off a historic upset to become Governor of New York, President Trump asked Lee Zeldin to join his Cabinet, as the 17th Administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
At the Trump EPA, Administrator Zeldin has proven that we can both protect our environment and grow our economy. At his helm, EPA will do more deregulation at one agency in one year than entire federal governments have done across all agencies across entire terms of presidencies. His commitment to being a good steward of tax dollars has resulted in the termination of over $29 billion in grants which equates to roughly three times the agency’s annual operating budget. Administrator Zeldin also canceled $1 million in media subscriptions, saved over $18 million annually in real estate consolidations, and another $750 million annually in staff reductions, while closing the $4 million Biden EPA museum that barely anyone visited, or let alone knew existed.
Beyond helping reform Washington, Administrator Zeldin has delivered results across our country, including along our border. He signed a binational agreement with Mexico to implement a permanent, 100% solution to the Tijuana River Sewage Crisis. He oversaw the completion of a historic wildfire cleanup in Los Angeles in less than 30 days. And he has taken decisive action to Power the Great American Comeback.
Lee Zeldin was born and raised on Long Island. He went to college and law school in Albany, New York, and at 23 years old became the youngest attorney in the state at that time. He is a husband to his wife, Diana, and father to their twin daughters, Mikayla and Arianna, who are now in their Sophomore year of college.
United States Environmental Protection Agency
EPA Administrator
U.S. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has dedicated his life to public service. He served twenty-two years in the U.S. Army which included service as an intelligence officer, prosecutor, and military magistrate. In the summer of 2006, Lee deployed to Iraq with an infantry battalion of fellow paratroopers from the Army’s elite 82nd Airborne Division.
He then spent four years in the New York State Senate and eight years in the U.S. House of Representatives. After nearly pulling off a historic upset to become Governor of New York, President Trump asked Lee Zeldin to join his Cabinet, as the 17th Administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
At the Trump EPA, Administrator Zeldin has proven that we can both protect our environment and grow our economy. At his helm, EPA will do more deregulation at one agency in one year than entire federal governments have done across all agencies across entire terms of presidencies. His commitment to being a good steward of tax dollars has resulted in the termination of over $29 billion in grants which equates to roughly three times the agency’s annual operating budget. Administrator Zeldin also canceled $1 million in media subscriptions, saved over $18 million annually in real estate consolidations, and another $750 million annually in staff reductions, while closing the $4 million Biden EPA museum that barely anyone visited, or let alone knew existed.
Beyond helping reform Washington, Administrator Zeldin has delivered results across our country, including along our border. He signed a binational agreement with Mexico to implement a permanent, 100% solution to the Tijuana River Sewage Crisis. He oversaw the completion of a historic wildfire cleanup in Los Angeles in less than 30 days. And he has taken decisive action to Power the Great American Comeback.
Lee Zeldin was born and raised on Long Island. He went to college and law school in Albany, New York, and at 23 years old became the youngest attorney in the state at that time. He is a husband to his wife, Diana, and father to their twin daughters, Mikayla and Arianna, who are now in their Sophomore year of college.
Shontel Brown
Congresswoman
Congresswoman Shontel M. Brown is a relentless public servant who is committed to delivering results for the people of Ohio’s Eleventh Congressional District. She was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2021 and was sworn in on November 4, 2021.
Congresswoman Brown’s top priorities are securing federal funds for our region, defending the benefits her constituents rely on, and advancing legislation that helps working people in Ohio, of all backgrounds, live a better life. Congresswoman Brown is a proud member of the Congressional Black Caucus, and in office she has authored bills to close the racial health gap, strengthen anti-discrimination laws, and expand opportunity for Black Americans.
In the 119th Congress, Congresswoman Brown is a member of the House Agriculture Committee, where she proudly serves as Vice Ranking Member.
Additionally, Congresswoman Brown serves on the House Agriculture Committee's Subcommittees on General Farm Commodities, Risk Management, and Credit; and Nutrition and Foreign Agriculture.
She also serves on the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, where she serves as Ranking Member on the Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Government Innovation Subcommittee. Additionally, she serves on the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party.
She is an active member of several Congressional caucuses, coalitions, and Task Forces. Some memberships include the Congressional Black Caucus, the New Democrat Coalition, the Congressional Progressive Caucus, the Democratic Women's Caucus, Pro-Choice Caucus, Congressional Heartland Caucus, Great Lakes Task Force, and Gun Violence Prevention Taskforce. A complete list of the Congresswoman's Caucuses, Coalitions, and Task Force membership can be found here.
Across her career in public service, Congresswoman Brown has promised to always put the people first. She continues to keep this promise by speaking out and fighting for solutions on issues of importance to the people of Northeast Ohio. She consistently works to strengthen our public education system, improve the health of children and families, ensure that no American goes hungry, improve protections for Ohio workers, and address the poverty crisis that has plagued her district and others like it for far too long.
A proud, lifelong Clevelander, Congresswoman Brown has served the people of Northeast Ohio for more than a decade. She first entered public service in 2012, when she was elected as a Warrensville Heights city council member. In 2014, she was elected to represent the 9th district on the Cuyahoga County Council, one of the most diverse in the County, with constituents in the City of Cleveland, as well as inner- and outer-ring suburbs. As a County Council Member, she earned a reputation as a proven and unifying leader, drawing job-creating projects to the district, improving access to affordable health care, and supporting public education.
Before her election to public office, Congresswoman Brown worked in the private sector as a marketing professional. She also founded a small business, based in Northeast Ohio, that provides technology solutions to regional clients.
Congresswoman Brown currently resides in Warrensville Heights, Ohio.
Congresswoman
Congresswoman Shontel M. Brown is a relentless public servant who is committed to delivering results for the people of Ohio’s Eleventh Congressional District. She was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2021 and was sworn in on November 4, 2021.
Congresswoman Brown’s top priorities are securing federal funds for our region, defending the benefits her constituents rely on, and advancing legislation that helps working people in Ohio, of all backgrounds, live a better life. Congresswoman Brown is a proud member of the Congressional Black Caucus, and in office she has authored bills to close the racial health gap, strengthen anti-discrimination laws, and expand opportunity for Black Americans.
In the 119th Congress, Congresswoman Brown is a member of the House Agriculture Committee, where she proudly serves as Vice Ranking Member.
Additionally, Congresswoman Brown serves on the House Agriculture Committee's Subcommittees on General Farm Commodities, Risk Management, and Credit; and Nutrition and Foreign Agriculture.
She also serves on the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, where she serves as Ranking Member on the Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Government Innovation Subcommittee. Additionally, she serves on the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party.
She is an active member of several Congressional caucuses, coalitions, and Task Forces. Some memberships include the Congressional Black Caucus, the New Democrat Coalition, the Congressional Progressive Caucus, the Democratic Women's Caucus, Pro-Choice Caucus, Congressional Heartland Caucus, Great Lakes Task Force, and Gun Violence Prevention Taskforce. A complete list of the Congresswoman's Caucuses, Coalitions, and Task Force membership can be found here.
Across her career in public service, Congresswoman Brown has promised to always put the people first. She continues to keep this promise by speaking out and fighting for solutions on issues of importance to the people of Northeast Ohio. She consistently works to strengthen our public education system, improve the health of children and families, ensure that no American goes hungry, improve protections for Ohio workers, and address the poverty crisis that has plagued her district and others like it for far too long.
A proud, lifelong Clevelander, Congresswoman Brown has served the people of Northeast Ohio for more than a decade. She first entered public service in 2012, when she was elected as a Warrensville Heights city council member. In 2014, she was elected to represent the 9th district on the Cuyahoga County Council, one of the most diverse in the County, with constituents in the City of Cleveland, as well as inner- and outer-ring suburbs. As a County Council Member, she earned a reputation as a proven and unifying leader, drawing job-creating projects to the district, improving access to affordable health care, and supporting public education.
Before her election to public office, Congresswoman Brown worked in the private sector as a marketing professional. She also founded a small business, based in Northeast Ohio, that provides technology solutions to regional clients.
Congresswoman Brown currently resides in Warrensville Heights, Ohio.
Chad Edwards
Corteva Agriscience
Director, Business Development
Chad Edwards is a proven leader in agricultural innovation and strategic investment, driving renewable energy opportunities across global markets. As part of Corteva’s Seeds Business leadership team, he provides functional and operational oversight, with a focus on identifying and advancing early-stage, disruptive technologies that align with Corteva’s long-term strategy and product pipeline.
With more than 14 years of experience at Corteva and its heritage organizations, Chad has been instrumental in building strategic biofuel partnerships and shaping investment strategies that deliver impactful innovation across the agricultural and energy sectors.
Corteva Agriscience
Director, Business Development
Chad Edwards is a proven leader in agricultural innovation and strategic investment, driving renewable energy opportunities across global markets. As part of Corteva’s Seeds Business leadership team, he provides functional and operational oversight, with a focus on identifying and advancing early-stage, disruptive technologies that align with Corteva’s long-term strategy and product pipeline.
With more than 14 years of experience at Corteva and its heritage organizations, Chad has been instrumental in building strategic biofuel partnerships and shaping investment strategies that deliver impactful innovation across the agricultural and energy sectors.
Dave Dornbirer
CoBank
Mission Investments
Dave joined CoBank in 2004 and currently manages the bank’s private market investments and rural community facilities financings. He is a member of CoBank’s investment committee, the steering committee of Farm Credit’s Rural Investment and Innovation Workgroup, the board of the National Rural Lenders Association, as well as the limited partner advisory board for a number of private equity funds. Before his current role, Dave financed water, wastewater and municipal solid waste service providers throughout the United States. Prior experience includes fintech startup Blackbird Holdings, Bank of America project finance and the U.S. Navy. He is a graduate of Miami University and earned an MBA from Thunderbird School of Global Management.
CoBank
Mission Investments
Dave joined CoBank in 2004 and currently manages the bank’s private market investments and rural community facilities financings. He is a member of CoBank’s investment committee, the steering committee of Farm Credit’s Rural Investment and Innovation Workgroup, the board of the National Rural Lenders Association, as well as the limited partner advisory board for a number of private equity funds. Before his current role, Dave financed water, wastewater and municipal solid waste service providers throughout the United States. Prior experience includes fintech startup Blackbird Holdings, Bank of America project finance and the U.S. Navy. He is a graduate of Miami University and earned an MBA from Thunderbird School of Global Management.
